Surah 86

Aṭ-Ṭāriq (, "the Morning Star", "Nightcomer"), is the eighty-sixth ''sura'' of the Quran, with 17 '' ayat'' or verses. Muslims believe this chapter was revealed in Mecca at a time when the disbelievers were employing all sorts of devices and plans to defeat and frustrate the message of the Quran and Muhammad. While traditional translations render Ṭāriq as “Morning Star” or “Nightcomer” (due to its appearance at night), the root meaning of “knocker” or “striker” has led some scholars and readers to suggest that the term could be alluding to a pulsar star—an astronomical object that “knocks” or emits regular pulses.

Summary

*1-3 Oath by the star of piercing brightness
*4 Every soul has its guardian angel
*5-8 God the Creator, and therefore can raise the dead
*9-10 The judgment-day shall reveal secret thoughts
*11-14 Oaths by heaven and earth that the Quran is God’s word
*15-17 Muhammad exhorted to bear patiently with the unbelievers plotting his ruin

Exegesis

The name Al-Târiq refers to anything that arrives at night. The star is called Târiq because it appears during the night. Al-Najm Al-Thâqib refers to a shining star that pierces the darkness with its light. Some scholars interpret it as the Pleiades but it could also be a pulsar, while others suggest it may refer to any bright, penetrating star.

The verse “Indeed, every soul has no guardian over it” means that no one has absolute authority over a soul—except that it has an angelic guardian who records its good and bad deeds.

“The secrets will be tested”—this means that the hidden thoughts of the heart, including beliefs and intentions, will be exposed and judged. The word “secrets” (sarā’ir) is the plural of sarīrah, meaning concealed matters.

“By the sky with its recurring rains”—this refers to the sky that repeatedly brings down rain, sustaining life on Earth.

“By the earth with its fissures”—this refers to the cracks in the earth from which vegetation emerges.

“A decisive statement”—this refers to the Qur’an as a clear and final declaration that distinguishes truth from falsehood.

“And it is not in jest”—it is neither frivolous nor false; rather, it is profoundly serious and purposeful.

“They plot a plot”—referring to the disbelievers who devise schemes against the truth.

“And I plot a plot”—God counteracts their schemes, revealing the truth and nullifying their falsehood, even if they resent it. This emphasizes that ultimate power and victory belong to God, for human efforts are weak compared to divine wisdom and might.

“Give them respite a little”—they are granted a short period of reprieve, but they will soon face the consequences of their deeds when divine judgment arrives.

Hadith

According to hadith, Muhammad used to recite this surah in Zuhr prayer and Asr prayer.

* Jabir bin Samurah narrated: "For Zuhr and Asr, Allah's Messenger would recite: By the heavens, holding the Buruj (Surah 85) and (By the heavens and At-Tariq) and similar to them."Sunan an-Nasa'i 979
In-book reference : Book 11, Hadith 104
English translation : Vol. 2, Book 11, Hadith 980

* Abu bin Ka’b reported that the prophet (peace be upon him) said “Whoever recites Surah At-Tariq, Allah will grant him rewards equal to the number of stars in the Sky, multiplied by Ten good deeds”

* There is a narration from Imam Sadiq which says “Anyone who recites Surah Tariq in his obligatory prayers will have a high rank with Allah in the Hereafter and will be the prophet’s close friend and companion in heaven”. “If recited before taking medicine, then the medicine will be a sure cure. The water in which this Surah has been dissolved should be poured gently on a wound and it will heal with the grace of Allah swt.

References

External links

Q86:7
50+ translations, islamawakened.com
Quran 86
Clear Quran translation

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Tariq
Islamic eschatology
Judgment in Islam